The animated film Moana (2016) was a monumental success, both critically and commercially, captivating audiences with its beautiful animation, memorable music, and heartfelt story of a young Polynesian girl on a journey of self-discovery. With its mixture of adventure, mythology, and a young female protagonist who challenged the traditional princess archetype, Moana set a high bar for what a Disney animated film could be. So when the announcement came that a sequel, Moana 2, was in the works, fans were understandably excited. However, the finished product—while visually stunning and earnest in its messaging—fails to live up to the legacy of its predecessor, offering a sequel that is more dull than dazzling.
In this review, we’ll explore the successes and shortcomings of Moana 2, touching on its story, characters, animation, music, and overall impact.
A Story That Struggles to Find Its Spark
One of the most significant challenges that sequels face is living up to the original. Moana had a compelling narrative driven by themes of bravery, heritage, and identity. The character of Moana, voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, embarked on a transformative journey to save her people and prove her worth as a leader. The film’s story was grounded in Polynesian mythology and culture, making it rich with meaning and significance.
Unfortunately, Moana 2 struggles to recapture that magic. The film’s premise is promising: Moana, now a chief-in-training, sets out on a new adventure to restore balance to the islands after a mysterious environmental disaster strikes. However, the sequel feels more like a rehash of the first film rather than a truly fresh story. While Moana’s growth as a leader and her relationship with her people are explored, the plot lacks the urgency and emotional depth that made the original so compelling.
The introduction of a new villain, a supernatural force that threatens the natural world, is an attempt to raise the stakes, but it ultimately feels underdeveloped. The film spends too much time on secondary conflicts, and the central issue—Moana’s internal struggle to balance tradition with progress—never quite feels as urgent as the initial quest in Moana. The stakes aren’t as high, and the emotional payoff is muted, leaving the audience feeling more detached than engaged.
The Return of Beloved Characters with Little Development
One of the standout features of Moana was its unforgettable characters, particularly the dynamic between Moana and the demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson). Their chemistry was both humorous and heartwarming, and the film succeeded in making Maui a sympathetic, albeit flawed, character. In Moana 2, Maui makes his return, but unfortunately, his character arc is largely sidelined. The film doesn’t provide much growth for him, nor does it dive deeper into his complexities. He’s more of a sidekick than a true co-lead, and his dynamic with Moana lacks the spark it once had.
Similarly, other characters like Moana’s family and friends, including her father Chief Tui (voiced by Temuera Morrison) and her grandmother Sina (voiced by Rachel House), are present but don’t contribute much to the story. While their presence is comforting and familiar, they don’t add anything substantial to Moana’s growth or to the narrative at large. The lack of meaningful character development for the supporting cast makes the sequel feel less engaging, as the heart of the story is diluted by secondary, somewhat forgettable characters.
Stunning Animation, But At What Cost?
Without a doubt, the animation in Moana 2 is absolutely breathtaking. Disney continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with animation technology, and the lush, vibrant visuals of the tropical islands, the crystal-clear water, and the sweeping landscapes are undeniably stunning. The film’s animation is a visual feast, with details that make the world of Moana come alive in new and exciting ways. The action scenes, particularly those involving water and ocean-based travel, are fluid and dynamic, drawing the viewer into the immersive world of the islands.
However, the film’s reliance on visual spectacle often feels like a distraction from the story. The animation is so dazzling that it can at times overshadow the narrative, leaving the viewer with a sense of wonder but little emotional attachment. The lush, colorful world of Moana 2 is beautiful to look at, but it fails to convey the depth of meaning that the first film’s visuals did. Where the original film used its stunning visuals to enhance its themes of discovery and cultural pride, Moana 2 feels more like an exercise in style over substance. The result is a visually dazzling film that doesn’t resonate as deeply on an emotional level.
The Music: A Bright Spot, But Not As Memorable
The original Moana featured one of Disney’s most beloved soundtracks in recent memory, with songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome” becoming instant classics. The music in Moana 2 similarly has some standout moments, with Lin-Manuel Miranda returning to compose the score. The film introduces a few new catchy songs, including an anthem about leadership and empowerment that could easily become a favorite for younger audiences. However, the soundtrack, while good, lacks the same emotional depth and memorability as its predecessor.
The issue is that while the songs are solid, they don’t feel as essential to the narrative as they did in Moana. The original film used its music not just as entertainment, but as a way to deepen the themes of identity and heritage. In Moana 2, the songs feel more like filler—catchy but disconnected from the larger narrative. They don’t enhance the emotional stakes, nor do they offer new insights into the characters. As a result, the soundtrack doesn’t have the same lasting impact.
Themes of Leadership and Environmentalism Feel Underexplored
One of the most promising aspects of Moana 2 is its focus on leadership, environmentalism, and the importance of balancing tradition with progress. Moana’s journey in this film is framed around her role as a future leader, and her struggle to reconcile her responsibilities with her desire to innovate. This is a compelling thematic exploration, especially in the context of the changing environmental conditions threatening the islands.
However, the film doesn’t fully explore these themes in a meaningful way. The environmental disaster that serves as the catalyst for Moana’s journey feels like a backdrop rather than a central focus. The film briefly touches on the importance of preserving nature and honoring cultural traditions, but it doesn’t delve into these topics with the depth or nuance they deserve. As a result, the themes of leadership and environmentalism feel superficial, and the film misses an opportunity to address these critical issues in a more impactful manner.
Conclusion: A Dazzling Yet Dull Sequel
Ultimately, Moana 2 is a film that shines brightly in terms of its visuals and earnest messaging, but it falls short of capturing the emotional depth and excitement that made the original Moana such a memorable experience. The story feels more like a rehash than a true continuation, and the lack of meaningful character development and exploration of its central themes leaves the film feeling shallow. While it may entertain younger audiences with its bright colors, catchy songs, and familiar characters, Moana 2 fails to live up to the high standards set by its predecessor. It is a sequel that is more dull than so shiny, leaving fans longing for the magic of the first film.